Steeped in history, many of the UK's castles have born witness to suffering, torture, executions and horrific deaths on an unparalleled scale. It is no surprise then that these castles are some of the most haunted places in the world.

Here is our top 10 of the UK's most haunted castles.

Number 10 - Portchester Castle, Portsmouth, England

Portchester Castle is reputed to be haunted by several ghosts, a black monk, and a spectral horseman seen riding through the grounds. There has been evidence of satanic witchcraft rituals found within the graveyard, inside the castle walls

Fraser Castle in Aberdeenshire is one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. Recently investigated by TV's Most Haunted, Fraser Castle is most famously haunted by the ghost of a princess who was murdered whilst staying at the castle.

Built on the site of an ancient Iron age settlement stands the hulking, dominating presence of Margam Castle. In recent years the high number of reports of paranormal activity haveoften brought psychic investigations to the property.

Muncaster Castle is one of the Britains most haunted buildings, scientists have been researching the ghosts of the Castle since 1992 and are still unable to explain some of the strange occurrences reported at the Castle.

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most haunted locations in Scotland, and Edinburgh itself has been called the most haunted city in all of Europe. The Castle's dungeons have frequent paranormal sightings and are haunted by ghosts of former prisoners.

Dover Castle is situated at the shortest sea crossing of the English Channel, making it one of the most important defensive sites in Britain. Paranormal activity is abundant, especially in the war time tunnels below the castle's grounds.

Chillingham Castle is widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in the country with hundreds of paranormal events being recorded. Dating back over 800 years, this castle was built for one purpose and one purpose alone, killing.

Leap Castle is located in County Offaly, Ireland. The ghosts of monks have been seen on the castle grounds, along with various other ghosts and dark shadows that have also been seen in the ruins of the old priest house.

The Tower of London is the oldest fortress, palace and prison of its type anywhere in Europe. It is no surprise that it is one of the most haunted Castles in Britain. Hundreds of ghost sightings have been reported over the years.

Glamis Castle is regarded as one of the most haunted castles in Britain. It certainly has more ghost stories and legends attached to it than any other castle within the British Isles, with up to twenty different spirits residing in the castle and it grounds.

Additional information

Recommended Books

'Ghosts Caught on Film 3' is an all-new compendium of more extraordinary phenomena caught on film. Featuring a selection of contemporary ghost pictures collected as part of a ground-breaking survey by popular psychologist, Richard Wiseman and leading Fortean, Gordon Rutter.